A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday denied the bail application of a former governor of Imo State and presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen Rochas Okorocha.
Okorocha was arrested on Tuesday 24th May 2022, in a commando-style by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after laying siege on the ex-governor’s Maitama home for several hours in a bid to produce him in court over allegations of fraud.
Okorocha, who represents Imo West Senatorial district at the red chamber, had filed an ex-parte application seeking release on bail pending the determination of the suit he filed against the Federal Government.
It was gathered that the former governor premised his application on his presidential ambition under the APC.
A statement by the Spokesperson of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, on Friday, said Justice Ekwo refused the bail application. He added that the Commission has filed a 17-count criminal charge against Okorocha with arraignment adjourned until May 30, 2022.
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He said, “The attempt by a former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha to force his release by the EFCC on Friday, 27 May 2022 failed as Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High court, Abuja refused his ex parte application asking to be released on bail pending the determination of a suit he filed against the Federal Government.
“Mr Okorocha who was arrested by the EFCC on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, premised his application on the grounds that his presidential ambition under the platform of the All Progressives Congress could be imperilled unless granted bail.
“But Justice Ekwo declined to compel the EFCC to release him on bail but ordered the applicant to put the Federal Government on notice to justify his continued detention.
“The EFCC has filed a 17-count criminal charge against Okorocha before the same judge, with arraignment adjourned until May 30, 2022.”
